It’s a crisp, clear morning in the Australian Outback. The sun is just peeking over the horizon, casting a golden glow across the vast expanse of red dirt and scrubby bushland. Amidst this iconic landscape, a vehicle appears, kicking up a plume of dust as it confidently navigates the rough terrain.
As it draws closer, its identity becomes clear: it’s the Lexus GX 550, the Japanese brand’s flagship luxury SUV. What’s it doing out here in the middle of nowhere? That’s what we’re here to find out.
See, while Lexus is best known for its plush, cosseting road cars, the GX series has always been a bit different. Beneath the GX’s posh, well-tailored suit lies the beating heart of a serious off-roader.
This is a vehicle that can transition from the valet stand at a five-star hotel to a rugged trail in the Outback without missing a beat. And with the arrival of the new GX 550 flagship, Lexus is making a bold statement about the GX’s go-anywhere capabilities.
So when Lexus invited me to put the GX 550 through its paces in the wilds of South Australia, I jumped at the chance. I wanted to see if this luxe SUV could really walk the walk when the pavement ended. And boy, did it deliver.
Tough Underpinnings
Before we dive into the GX 550’s Outback adventure, let’s take a quick look at what makes this SUV so capable in the rough stuff. Under the skin, the GX shares its underpinnings with the Toyota LandCruiser Prado, a vehicle renowned for its rugged durability and off-road prowess. This is no car-based crossover – the GX rides on a sturdy ladder frame chassis designed to withstand serious punishment.
Underneath, you’ll find beefy solid axles front and rear, suspended by a kinetic dynamic suspension system that’s designed to maximize wheel articulation and traction on uneven terrain.
There’s also a two-speed transfer case, a locking center differential, and an array of electronic off-road aids like crawl control and multi-terrain select. In other words, the GX 550 is a far cry from the average mall-crawling luxury SUV.
Power comes from a silky-smooth 4.6-liter V8 engine, which churns out a healthy 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough grunt to propel the GX 550 from 0-100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds – not bad for a vehicle that weighs in at over 2,600 kg. The V8 is mated to a slick-shifting six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system that can apportion torque between the axles as needed.
Of course, all that hardware is great for technical trails and rock crawling, but what about the vast expanses of the Australian Outback? That’s where the GX 550’s air suspension comes into play.
At the touch of a button, the driver can raise the ride height for extra ground clearance, or lower it for improved aerodynamics and handling on the highway. It’s a best-of-both-worlds solution that allows the GX to excel in a wide range of driving situations.
Posh Digs
Of course, this being a Lexus, the GX 550’s cabin is a far cry from the utilitarian confines of a typical off-roader. Open the door and you’re greeted by a sumptuous interior trimmed in rich leather, genuine wood, and high-quality soft-touch plastics.
The front seats are plush and supportive, with 10-way power adjustment and three-stage heating and ventilation. Second row passengers aren’t forgotten either, with heated captain’s chairs that slide and recline for maximum comfort.
In the third row, there’s seating for two more passengers, bringing the GX 550’s total capacity to seven. Granted, the third row is best suited for kids or smaller adults, but it’s still a handy feature to have for larger families or carpooling duties. When not in use, the third row folds flat into the floor to create a cavernous cargo area that can swallow up to 1,833 liters of gear.
Up front, the driver is treated to a comprehensive suite of tech features, including a 12.3-inch infotainment display with navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a booming 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system. There’s also a full-color head-up display that projects key information like speed, navigation directions, and safety alerts onto the windshield, allowing the driver to keep their eyes on the road.
On the safety front, the GX 550 comes standard with Lexus Safety System+, a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies that includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. There’s also blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree surround view camera system that makes navigating tight trails and parking spots a breeze.
Into the Wild
But enough about the specs – let’s get back to that Outback adventure. As I climbed into the driver’s seat of the GX 550, I was immediately struck by the sense of occasion. The cabin felt more like a private jet than an off-road vehicle, with its plush leather, genuine wood trim, and high-quality finishes. But as I fired up the V8 engine and pointed the GX’s nose towards the trail, it quickly became clear that this was no mere pavement-pounder.
The first thing that struck me was the GX’s sheer size. This is a big, burly SUV, measuring over five meters long and nearly two meters wide. And yet, thanks to its well-tuned suspension and precise steering, it felt surprisingly nimble and easy to place on the narrow, winding trails. The air suspension made quick work of the bumps and ruts, soaking up the impacts with nary a shudder through the cabin.
As we ventured deeper into the Outback, the terrain became more challenging. Deep sand, rocky riverbeds, steep inclines – the GX 550 took them all in stride. With the transfer case shifted into low range and the center differential locked, the big Lexus clawed its way up and over obstacles that would leave lesser SUVs stranded. The multi-terrain select system allowed me to optimize the traction control for different surfaces, from loose gravel to slimy mud.
Throughout it all, the GX 550’s cabin remained a serene, comfortable place to be. The air conditioning kept the interior cool and fresh despite the sweltering Outback heat, while the Mark Levinson audio system provided a soothing soundtrack to the rugged landscape outside. And when the sun dipped below the horizon and it was time to make camp for the night, the GX’s cavernous cargo area had plenty of room for all our gear and supplies.
Over the course of several days, we covered hundreds of kilometers of demanding Outback terrain, from sun-baked plains to rugged mountain tracks. And through it all, the GX 550 never missed a beat. It was a testament to the vehicle’s durability, capability, and sheer determination to get the job done, no matter how tough the conditions.
The Luxury Adventure – Lexus GX 550
Driving the Lexus GX 550 through the Australian Outback was an eye-opening experience. Here was a vehicle that could pamper its occupants with all the luxury and refinement you’d expect from a high-end SUV, yet still tackle some of the most demanding off-road conditions on the planet. It was a remarkable achievement, a true Jekyll and Hyde of the automotive world.
But perhaps what impressed me most about the GX 550 was its versatility. This is a vehicle that could take you from the opera to the Outback without missing a beat. It’s as comfortable and refined as any luxury sedan on the highway, yet rugged and capable enough to venture far off the beaten path. For adventurous families or individuals who refuse to compromise on comfort or capability, it’s a compelling choice.
Of course, all that luxury and go-anywhere prowess doesn’t come cheap. The Lexus GX 550 starts at a hefty $113,700 plus on-road costs, putting it at the upper end of the luxury SUV market. But for that price, you’re getting a vehicle that can do it all, from the daily grind to the weekend adventurer.
In a world where SUVs are becoming increasingly homogenized and road-focused, the Lexus GX 550 is a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that luxury and capability don’t have to be mutually exclusive, that you can have your cake and eat it too. And for that reason alone, it’s a vehicle that deserves your attention.
So if you’re in the market for a luxury SUV that can keep up with your adventurous lifestyle, put the Lexus GX 550 at the top of your list. Just be prepared for some strange looks when you roll up to the valet stand at the Ritz-Carlton with red Outback dust coating your shiny new ride. But hey, that’s all part of the charm of owning a vehicle that can truly do it all.